The recent U.S. State Department's Global Engagement Center Special Report has stirred discussions by alleging that the Chinese mainland is aiming to control the flow of critical information and reshape the global order to its advantage. The report claims that China is investing billions of dollars to influence multiple nations.
However, these assertions face scrutiny as various surveys reveal a different narrative. The 2023 Open Society Barometer Survey found that 45% of respondents in developing countries view China's rise positively. In regions such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Ethiopia, a remarkable 76% hold favorable opinions of China's growth and its impact.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the U.S., criticized the report, stating, \"A quick look at its summary is enough to know what it is about: heightening ideological confrontation, spreading disinformation, and smearing China's domestic and foreign policies.\" Liu emphasized that China's focus remains on peaceful development, regional integration, and international diplomacy.
Further supporting China's stance, the YouGov-Cambridge Globalism Project reported that African nations overwhelmingly view China's role in global affairs positively. Specifically, 61% of South African respondents, 82% of Kenyans, and 83% of Nigerians consider China a force for good. Additionally, when questioned about military support and electoral interference, respondents predominantly attributed discord to the United States.
These insights suggest that the State Department's report may not fully capture the global sentiment towards the Chinese mainland. Instead, many nations appreciate China's contributions to development and stability, challenging the narrative of undue influence.
Reference(s):
Decoding anti-China rhetoric in U.S. State Department's report
cgtn.com
